The Official Blog of the Gwinnett Braves, Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Results tagged ‘ Steven Lerud ’

The Atlanta Braves are off to a slow start in their Grapefruit League campaign (1-6-1), but several non-roster players are making key contributions and earning extended playing time on the field.

On Tuesday afternoon, Phil Gosselin keyed the Braves’ 8-4 victory over the Washington Nationals, as his bases-clearing triple in the bottom of the eighth gave the Braves a 7-4 lead. He scored the final run on sacrifice fly by Edward Salcedo, leading the Braves to their first win of the spring.

Gosselin, who played in four games with the Atlanta Braves in 2013 (.333, 2R), is tied for third on the team with three RBI in five Grapefruit League games.

While, Gosselin is holding his own in the first week of action, Tommy La Stella is opening eyes all around camp. The Braves’ farmhand leads the squad with seven hits and is batting .412 (7-for-17) through six Grapefruit League contests. Despite never playing above Double-A, La Stella is thriving at the dish with a consistent line drive approach and plate discipline, seeing four walks in 21 plate appearances. He has benefitted from Tyler Pastornicky’s knee injury, as he has been one of the primary back-ups in his absence.

Infielder Tyler Greene is showing his value around the diamond, playing third base for the Braves even though he is a shortstop by trait. Greene has played six Spring Training games at third, but has only played third in 41 out of 973 professional games. The position change hasn’t affected his bat, as he is hitting .273 (3-for-11) with two runs and a stolen base.

Gosselin (KarlLMoore)

Matt Lipka, another former shortstop, is also faring well this spring. The former supplemental 1st rounder out of McKinney High School in Texas, is batting .333 (4-for-12) with three runs scored, four RBI and one stolen base. He is holding his own in his first taste of big league camp.

Unlike Lipka, catchers Matt Kennelly and Steven Lerud have been around big league camp a while. The veterans have played well, recording two hits and an RBI each.

On the bump, Gus Schlosser’s bid to make the opening day roster continues. The side-winder has made two appearances, hurling 3.0 scoreless innings and limiting opponents to a .100 (1-for-10) batting average against him. He has recorded one strikeout and has allowed a free pass. His 0.67 WHIP is tied for second on the team with Juan Jaime and behind Freddy Garcia, who hasn’t allowed a base runner in 5.0 innings.

Southpaw Ian Thomas has battled control issues, allowing two walks in 2.0 Innings, but he hasn’t allowed a run and recorded three strikeouts. The Braves need for another left-handed arm in the bullpen makes him a strong candidate for the MLB roster.

The Braves continue their Grapefruit League schedule today, as they play the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:00 p.m. in Clearwater, FL. The game will be televised on the MLB Network.

While Braves action is in full gear, be sure to keep up with the Gwinnett Braves as their home opener is April 11th at 7:05 p.mm as they play host to the IL Champion Durham Bulls.

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